Providence, RI, November 8, 2010 The 19th annual Rhode Island Spring Flower & Garden Show, partnering with the American Heart Association, explodes with color at the R. I. Convention Center, February 24-27, 2011. The theme, “Gardening With Heart” highlights twenty-eight gardens that marry the beauty of nature with popular romantic love stories that touch the heart. Together they will be showcasing the healthy aspects of gardening; including planting, growing, cooking and eating your own crops. While enjoying the twenty-eight themed gardens, attendees can purchase garden tools, art works, flowers, seeds, jewelry and more from over 200 marketplace vendors and artisans, and attend lectures and demonstrations.
The longest standing and largest flower show in New England, the RI Flower Show attracts more than 30,000 attendees annually and will showcase more than 5,000 different blooms. Nationally known lecturers include: Gordon Hayward, lifestyle expert, television personality and best-selling author; Donna Ranucci, a participant on the Rachel Ray Show’s “Hey, Can you Cook?!4” reality competition; Louis Raymond, gardener for over 50 years, for six years as the show designer for the former New England Flower Show; and Kerry Mendez, a “passionate perennialist” and the owner of Perennially Yours gardening Services; and Charlie Nardozzi, nationally recognized gardening author and a personality on radio, television and the web.
In addition to the numerous lectures and demonstrations of gardening and healthy cooking topics, The American Heart Association will bring its experts and volunteers to educate garden aficionados on how to lead a heart-healthy lifestyle. The Show will also host a Wear Red Day on Saturday among its vendors, staff and volunteers to celebrate the partnership with the Heart Association.
The Show offers children’s activities, games, songs and story-telling by Lindsay Adler, Marvelous Marvin the Magician, Marc Kohler & Frances Slade face painting, Cameron the Caterpillar and Wheel of Fortune healthy prizes. Admission is free for children five and under. Children 6-12 cost $7. Adult tickets are $16 in advance, $15 evening discount or $18 at the door. For more information visit our website www.flowershow.com or call Karen Brol, Ticketing Coordinator, at 401.253.0246.
Special Hotel packages available for Flower Show attendees can be purchased at a number of participating hotels including: Marriott Providence Downtown on Orms Street, complete with free parking and shuttle service; Hotel Providence; Radisson Hotel Providence Harbor; Hampton Inn & Suites and Johnson and Wales Inn. Local restaurants are also featuring special menus at discounted rates including Geppetto’s Pizzeria www.geppettospizzeria.com) and Walter’s Ristorante d’Italia (www.chefwalter.com)
